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COLUMBUS, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: The crimson sun was sinking down, to rest


I.
THE Crimson sun was sinking down to rest,
Pavilioned on the cloudy verge of heaven;
And ocean, on her gently heaving breast,
Caught and flashed back the varying tints of even;
When, on a fragment from the tall cliff riven,
With folded arms, and doubtful thoughts op- pressed,
Columbus sat,-till sudden hope was given-
A ray of gladness shooting from the West!
Oh! what a glorious vision for mankind
Then dawned above the twilight of his mind!-
Thoughts shadowy still , but indistinctly grand!
There stood his Genius, face to face, and signed
(So legends tell) far seaward with her hand;
Till a New World sprung up and bloomed be- neath her wand.


II.
He was a man whom danger could not daunt,
Nor sophistry perplex, nor pain subdue;
Astoic, reckless of the world's vain taunt,
And steeled the path of honour to pursue:
So, when by all deserted , still he knew
How best to soothe the heart- sick, or confront
Sedition; schooled with equal eye to view
The stings of grief, and the base pangs of want.
But, when he saw that promised land arise,
In all its rare and bright varieties ,
Lovelier than fondest fancy ever trod;
Then softening nature melted in his eyes;
He knew his fame was full-and blessed his God;-
And fell upon his face, and kissed the virgin sod!


III.
Beautiful realm beyond the western main,
That hymns thee ever with resounding wave!
Thine is the glorious sun's peculiar reign;-
Fruits, flowers, and gems, in rich mosaic , pave
Thy paths; -like giant altars o'er the plain
Thy mountains blaze , loud thundering-' mid the rave
Of mighty streams, that shoreward rush amain,
Like Polypheme from his Etnean cave.
Joy-joy for Spain! A seaman's hand confers
These glorious gifts, and half the world is hers!
But where is he-the light whose radiance glows;
The load-star of succeeding mariners?
Behold him-crushed beneath o'ermastering woes;
Hopeless-heart-broken-chained--abandoned to his foes!






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